Negative body image issues remain widespread in the vast majority of people. Social media's rise and the increased popularity of television shows and adverts depicting models with near "perfect” bodies are a significant trigger driving people to be conscious of their appearance. PsychCentral reports that a whopping 80% of American women are dissatisfied with their looks. However, to live a more fulfilling life, it helps to develop a more robust body image that allows you to overcome negative self-perception. So how can this positive body image be created and sustained? Consider the following aspects below.
Separate bad feelings from your body image
It is a common practice for people struggling with body image and self-esteem issues to link bad feelings and adverse life events directly to how they look. For example, if you fight with your partner or have a stressful day at work, you naturally start to feel bad. Then, you may begin to link your awful experience to "feeling fat" and consider being unattractive as the root cause of your troubles without any factual basis. However, experts advise against such behavior as it only enhances insecurities related with body image. Instead, identify the situations that trigger these insecurities and treat them as what they are: problems independent of your body image. Developing this kind of objectivity will help you enhance your body image.
Wear comfortable clothes and accessories
How you think you look is directly linked to how you feel about your looks. Consequently, wearing clothes and accessories that you are comfortable in will provide you with a "feel-good factor" that may enhance your body image. So, consider filling your wardrobe with clothing to give you an excellent range of choices when choosing an attire for various occasions.
Feel free to include as many accessories as possible that enhance how you feel about your looks before you step out. For example, if you are highly self-conscious about the condition of your teeth, you can find out how much some suitable veneers cost and maybe invest in removable clip-on veneers to take along with you to social events or as part of your daily life. Remember, some experts estimate that up to a third of your self-esteem depends on your body image, so it is prudent to invest in comfortable clothes and accessories that give you the necessary confidence to enhance your body image.
Regulate your media exposure
Dr. Mary E. Pritchard PhD, an esteemed Boise State University Psychology professor, suggested in a 2014 Psychology Today article that one effective way to combat negative body image issues is to avoid the media's influence. Some studies show that indeed, men and women alike are influenced by idealized images of individuals in magazines, TV, online, etc.
They typically present men as sleek and "ripped" with outstanding six-packs, and women as slim and fit. However, it is common knowledge that these are unrealistic beauty standards, so evaluating your body image based on such depictions isn’t a fair yardstick for self-assessment. As such, avoid TV programs, online platforms, and magazines that are excessively image-focused. While you cannot control everything, you can try limiting your exposure to these unrealistic beauty standards as an effective way to maintain a positive body image.
Practice self-care
Self-care can be a vital contributor to enhancing your body image, so always practice proper self-care to feel good in your skin. Your physical, emotional, and mental well-being are heavily reliant on adequate self-care, and paying little attention to it can harm all three aspects of your well-being simultaneously. Proper self-care implies proper eating habits, sufficient sleep, enough exercising, and the right nutrition. Self-care also means maintaining a healthy work-life balance to avoid emotionally depleting yourself and ensure that you stay sharp and healthy. Surrounding yourself with positive friends and family who reinforce your positive self-image is also vital. Self-care encompasses anything beneficial to your overall wellbeing, so prioritize what is helpful to your body image based on your unique situation.
Be mindful about appearance-related conversations
Some experts think that repeatedly engaging in conversations regarding your appearance and that of others' can foster negative body image perceptions, and therefore advise against this. Some studies also suggest that your brain cannot distinguish between things you hear, think, and say at some primal level. For example, your mind can easily interpret a weight-loss advert you see on TV as pertaining to you and subsequently makes it a nagging thought that sticks with you. Similarly, discussing appearance-related issues in a negative way only stirs up insecurities about your appearance afterward. Therefore, avoid negative conversations about the way people look to avoid revisiting your insecurities later.
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